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Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly the new man on the Toon target list at left-back
TOON WANT A TAG IN THE WINDOW

Newcastle put Argentina star Nicolas Tagliafico on list of left-back targets

Rafa Benitez is keen for more transfer window signings as he fears the newly-promoted Magpies lack strength in depth
 

ARGENTINA star Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly the latest left-back targeted by Newcastle.

Boss Rafa Benitez is particularly keen to strengthen his defence as he attempts to make more transfer window signings.

 Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly the new man on the Toon target list at left-back
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Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly the new man on the Toon target list at left-backCredit: AFP or licensors
 Once-capped Argentina ace Nicolas Tagliafico is being monitored by Newcastle
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Once-capped Argentina ace Nicolas Tagliafico is being monitored by NewcastleCredit: AFP or licensors

And the Chronicle say Independiente ace Tagliafico, 24, is now on the Magpies' radar.

Ecuador full-back Cristian Ramírez, 23, who joined Russian club Krasnodar from Ferencvaros, is among the alternatives thought to have been offered to Newcastle recently.

But Benitez is in a difficult situation at the moment.

He wants to splash out quickly but has also been told by club owner Mike Ashley and the board to stop moaning about lack of funds.

Benitez plans to free up cash by selling sell Morocco left-back Achraf Lazaar before the window shuts, just one season after he arrived from Serie A side Palermo.

Genoa are understood to lead the chase for Lazaar, ahead of Bologna, Atalanta and Spaniards Real Betis.

 Toon chief Rafa Benitez still wants to add to his five summer signings
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Toon chief Rafa Benitez still wants to add to his five summer signingsCredit: Rex Features
 Morocco left-back Achraf Lazaar is tipped to depart after just one season
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Morocco left-back Achraf Lazaar is tipped to depart after just one seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor

Any pressure or frustration Benitez feels will have eased a little after Saturday's impressive 3-0 home win over West Ham.

Newcastle bagged their first goals and points of the season at the third attempt, thanks to Joselu, Ciaran Clark and substitute Alexsandar Mitrovic.

Benitez, though, still hopes to add to his five summer signings.

So far he has brought in Atletico Madrid right-back Javier Manquillo, Stoke striker Joselu, Ghana wideman Christian Atsu from Chelsea, SD Eibnar centre-back Floriaan Lejeune and Norwich winger Jacob Murphy.

 Joselu celebrates hitting the opener as Newcastle thumped West Ham 3-0 on Saturday to break their Premier League duck this season
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Joselu celebrates hitting the opener as Newcastle thumped West Ham 3-0 on Saturday to break their Premier League duck this seasonCredit: Rex Features

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